Knicks crush defending champions: The New York Knicks delivered a stunning performance in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, defeating the Boston Celtics 119-81 at Madison Square Garden. This victory secured their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, marking a historic moment for the franchise.
Knicks crush defending champions Boston Celtics to Reach Eastern Conference Finals
Coming into the game, the Knicks held a 3-2 series lead, giving them a golden opportunity to close out the series at home in front of an electric New York crowd.
Game Summary: Knicks Take Control with Key Moments
The Knicks wasted no time asserting their dominance, making crucial plays at key moments throughout the game:
- 2nd minute: Jalen Brunson sets the tone with a deep three-pointer, energizing the crowd.
- 5th minute: OG Anunoby blocks a Celtics layup, leading to a fast-break dunk by Mikal Bridges.
- 8th minute: Josh Hart grabs an offensive rebound and dishes it to Karl-Anthony Towns for an easy bucket.
- 12th minute: Knicks go on a 10-0 run, forcing the Celtics to call a timeout.
The Celtics, hoping to regroup, made minor adjustments after the timeout, but New York’s defense remained stifling, and Boston continued to struggle to generate momentum.
- 18th minute: Jalen Brunson drives through the defense for a tough layup, extending the Knicks’ lead.
- 24th minute (halftime): Knicks lead 64-37, their largest halftime advantage in decades.
- 30th minute: OG Anunoby hits back-to-back three-pointers, pushing the lead past 30 points.
- 38th minute: Josh Hart records his triple-double, making history for the Knicks.
- 45th minute: Knicks seal the win with a powerful dunk by Miles McBride, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Josh Hart’s Historic Triple-Double
Josh Hart had an incredible all-around game, becoming the first Knicks player to record a playoff triple-double since Clyde Frazier in 1972. He finished the night with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcasing his versatility and hustle on both ends of the court.
Other Key Performances
- Jalen Brunson: Led all scorers with 29 points, shooting efficiently from the field and orchestrating the offense with poise.
- OG Anunoby contributed 18 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and played tough perimeter defense, helping limit Boston’s shooting.
- Mikal Bridges stepped up with 22 points, most of which came in the second half, continuing his strong postseason form.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Added 14 points and 9 rebounds, providing solid interior presence and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
Celtics Struggle Without Tatum
The Boston Celtics, last season’s NBA champions, looked out of rhythm and disjointed without Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured tendon in Game 5 and was ruled out for the remainder of the series. His absence left a significant void in Boston’s offensive strategy.
Jaylen Brown finished with just 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting, while Derrick White struggled from deep, making only 2 of his 9 three-point attempts. With Tatum out, Boston lacked both leadership and consistent scoring, which ultimately led to their elimination.
Knicks End 25-Year Wait for Eastern Conference Finals
This playoff run marks a pivotal turning point for the Knicks, who last appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals in the year 2000, when Patrick Ewing led the team. Now, under the leadership of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and a revitalized roster, the Knicks are writing a new chapter in franchise history.
What’s Next for the Knicks?
The Knicks will now take on the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, a matchup that promises fireworks. Game 1 is scheduled for May 21 at Madison Square Garden, giving the Knicks home-court advantage as they attempt to reach their first NBA Finals since 1999.
The Pacers earned their spot by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in a seven-game thriller, with Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge.
FAQ Section: Key Questions About the Knicks crush defending champions
Which team had the advantage going into Game 6: Celtics or Knicks?
The Knicks held the upper hand coming into Game 6, thanks to a 3-2 series lead and the benefit of playing at home. Although the Celtics had dominated during the regular season, the momentum clearly shifted in the Knicks’ favor during the playoffs.
Who is considered the Knicks’ biggest rival?
The Knicks have had long-standing rivalries with several Eastern Conference powerhouses, but none more intense than their battles with the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers. Both rivalries have been fueled by high-stakes playoff meetings over the decades.
How did the Celtics perform against the Knicks this season?
During the 2025 regular season, Boston won all four meetings against New York, including a dominant 112–89 victory at TD Garden. However, in the playoffs, the Knicks completely flipped the narrative, winning the series 4-2, with blowout wins in Games 4 and 6.
Who will the Knicks face next after defeating the Celtics?
The New York Knicks advance to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers reached this stage by eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks in a hard-fought 4-3 series. With two hungry teams vying for a finals berth, this series could go down to the wire.
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